Aaron Cresswell admits he is enjoying the different side to his play in West Ham’s new system

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The Hammers left-back is relishing the increased opportunities to get forward and attack.

West Ham United star Aaron Cresswell has told the club’s official website that he is thrilled to be playing in Slaven Bilic’s new 3-5-2 formation as it gives him more license to get forward.

Cresswell has been a key member of the Hammers side since his arrival in 2014, missing just a single Premier League fixture across his first two seasons at the club.

He did have to endure an extended absence at the start of the current campaign due to injury, but has slotted straight back into the side since his return.

He has flourished particularly in the new system employed by Bilic which sees the two full-backs converted into wing-backs either side of three central defenders.

The England international has admitted that he is really enjoying playing in the new formation as it allows him to place more emphasis on the attacking side of his game down the left flank.

Cresswell told the Irons website: “I am enjoying the new system. It’s nice to get forward in that formation, trying to create and get up the field to get the ball in the box, it suits me.

“I was saying to the fitness coach and the physio that I’m feeling better than Wednesday night. It takes time, you can do all the training in the world but you can’t beat getting minutes on the pitch.

“The knee feels good and I am looking forward to the next few games.”

The new system seems to be suiting West Ham as a whole, not just Cresswell.

Bilic’s side went four games unbeaten after switching to 3-5-2, including beating Crystal Palace and Sunderland in the league and triumphing over London rivals Chelsea in the EFL Cup last-16, before losing to Everton at the weekend.